What Are Mind-Body Therapies?
Mind-body therapies (MBTs) are, for the most part, safe and effective interventions for clinical care of patients irrespective of age or health status. They have minimal adverse side effects and may be used alongside with or, in some cases, in place of pharmaceuticals.
MBTs are classified as mind-body medicine because of their capacity to engage physiological and psychological processes that promote health, reduce stress and optimize healing. MBTs help induce a state of relaxation and promote the conscious connection of emotions, thoughts and behaviors.
Common MBTs include: meditation, guided imagery, hypnosis, biofeedback, expressive arts (e.g., journaling, art) and movement systems (e.g., Yoga, Tai-Chi). It is important that you can differentiate among these techniques so that you can appropriately discuss them with your patients.
In subsequent units, you will examine the evidence underlying the use for treatment of specific clinical conditions.
